Taiwan’s Presidential Election: Candidates and Their Positions on China Relations
Taiwan’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13 are highly anticipated events that occur every four years. Here is a comprehensive list of the presidential candidates and their respective stances on Taiwan’s relationship with China:
LAI CHING-TE
Lai, also known as William, is the candidate for Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). He currently serves as Taiwan’s vice president and is also the chairman of the DPP. Lai consistently leads in opinion polls.
Alongside Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, Lai has made numerous attempts to engage in talks with China, but unfortunately, these efforts have been rejected. Beijing considers both Lai and Tsai as separatists.
Lai and Tsai firmly believe that the future of Taiwan should be determined solely by its people.
HOU YU-IH
Hou represents Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT). The KMT fled to the island in 1949 following a civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists. Hou currently serves as the mayor of New Taipei, a neighboring city to Taipei. Although he was re-elected by a significant margin last year, he typically ranks third in presidential election opinion polls.
The KMT traditionally advocates for close ties with China but vehemently denies being pro-Beijing. Hou pledges to restart discussions with Beijing if elected.
KO WEN-JE
Ko, a former mayor of Taipei, represents the Taiwan People’s Party. Some polls suggest that he is quickly gaining ground on Lai, while others place him in second place.
Ko emphasizes the need for China to propose a fresh framework for engagement with Taiwan, outlining what Beijing has to offer. He expressed this view during a statement on Tuesday.
TERRY GOU
Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn, a major Apple supplier, is running as an independent candidate. However, his polling numbers are currently quite low.
Gou accuses the ruling DPP of pushing the island to the brink of war with China through its hostile policies. He claims that only he, with his extensive business and personal connections in China and the U.S., can maintain peace.
These presidential candidates offer different perspectives on Taiwan’s relationship with China. As the election draws closer, the people of Taiwan eagerly await the opportunity to exercise their democratic right and shape the future course of their nation.
